Harry and Meghan Savaged by Former Royal Protection Chief for ‘Shameless’ Complaint Over School Paparazzi
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have drawn sharp criticism from veteran royal security figures after issuing a strongly worded condemnation regarding international paparazzi spotted near the new school attended by their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
The incident occurred just weeks after the family relocated their primary residence back to the United Kingdom. According to Sussex representatives, two backpack-carrying photographers were observed by private security personnel and school staff patrolling the institution’s perimeter, pausing at vantage points to look into the grounds while students were present.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan branded the actions an egregious breach of ethics:
“The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless. There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day. Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school.”
The Sussex team framed the intrusion as especially alarming coming roughly 48 hours after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire—an incident close to the Cotswolds region where the family is understood to reside.
However, the couple’s public grievance drew blistering backlash from Dai Davies, former head of royal protection for the Metropolitan Police. Speaking to The Sun, Davies dismissed the complaint as manufactured outrage designed to influence the ongoing debate over taxpayer-funded state security (RAVEC):
“Every week their so-called security team has to come up with new things. Paparazzi is not a security incident. It is just to be expected. It’s not unrealistic to expect some paparazzi who will chance their arm; the security team can deal with that easily. I hope RAVEC aren’t swayed and common sense prevails as all the incidents amount to sweet FA. There’s no comparison to Fairford. It’s bordering on shameless but ridiculous as well.”
The clash illustrates the enduring friction surrounding Prince Harry’s legal battles and public advocacy for personal protection, underscoring the deep polarization between the Sussexes’ concerns for their children’s safety and institutional skepticism regarding their risk assessments.
